What you need to know about roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping

RoRo shipping streamlines the transportation of vehicles and oversized cargo by allowing items to be driven directly onto the vessel. This reduces port handling times and minimizes the risk of damage from lifting.

When you think about ocean freight, you will most often picture containers stacked on massive cargo ships.

But not all cargo can fit neatly into a container.

Some goods are better suited for a different kind of transportation method, such as roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping. 

These include vehicles, trucks, buses, and heavy machinery, as well as oversized cargo like large crates.

Roll-on/roll-off shipping is exactly what it sounds like. It’s when cargo is rolled on and then rolled off a specialized vessel.

It offers a straightforward and cost-effective method for transporting specific cargo across international borders. 

Read on to learn more about this shipping method, its advantages, and when to choose between it and container shipping.

How RoRo shipping works

Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a transport method used for cargo that can be driven or towed on and off a ship.

It is mainly used for cargo that is self-propelled (like cars and trucks), towable (like trailers or boats), or large, static cargo that has been loaded onto a wheeled platform at the port.

Instead of using cranes or lifting equipment, the cargo is driven or towed directly onto the ship using built-in ramps.

At the destination port, the process is reversed, whereby the cargo is simply driven or towed off the vessel.

Advantages of RoRo shipping

Roll-on/roll-off shipping offers several financial and operational benefits that include:

• Lower handling costs

RoRo shipping is cost-effective because it eliminates several expenses associated with traditional container shipping. It doesn’t require cranes for lifting and eliminates the costs of container rental, loading, and unloading. This results in lower labour and equipment fees at the port.

• Efficient and fast port operations

With RoRo, the loading and unloading process is simple and fast. Cargo is just driven on and off the vessel, which reduces the time spent at port compared to traditional container ships. This quick turnaround can help reduce port fees and avoid demurrage charges.

• Lower risk of handling damage

Since the cargo is not lifted by cranes or packed tightly into containers, the risk of damage from dropping or mishandling during loading and unloading can be minimized.

• Ideal for oversized or static cargo

RoRo can transport oversized cargo that cannot fit into a standard 20- or 40-foot container. And it is not limited to wheeled goods. Static cargo, such as machinery or goods in crates, can be loaded onto specialized trailers and towed onto the vessel.

When to choose RoRo vs. container shipping

Choosing between RoRo and container shipping primarily depends on your type of cargo, budget, and security needs.

RoRo shipping is best when:

• The cargo is wheeled, self-propelled, or can easily be towed
• You are shipping static or oversized cargo that won't fit in a container
• You are moving vehicles in bulk, and cost is a primary concern
• You want faster port handling and less risk of damage from lifting
  
  

Container shipping is better when:

• The cargo is static, non-rolling, and small enough to fit in a 20- or 40-foot container
• You are shipping high-value cargo and want it sealed and protected from all elements
• You are shipping goods from or to a port that is not serviced by RoRo vessels
• You prefer door-to-door logistics

How Cole International can help

At Cole International, we offer freight forwarding solutions to help businesses like yours choose the most suitable shipping method for moving their goods seamlessly across the globe.

Our team can work with you to:

• Select the most cost-effective shipping method (RoRo vs. container) and route
• Coordinate all specialized port handling for your cargo
• Prepare and verify the required shipping and customs documents to clear your goods

Our goal is to help you ship your goods smarter and faster.

Reach out to one of our trade professionals to discuss how we can manage RoRo shipping and clearance for your cargo, and to ensure compliance with all regulations.